Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor believes Liverpool will have the edge over Everton due to the lack of fans in the stands for this weekend's Merseyside derby.
The Premier League has been awash with goals to start the season, something Liverpoo l know plenty about after their shock 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
And former Reds striker Mellor believes that could well be down to the missing fans who play vital part in keeping defender's heads in check.
"With the fans not being there, they play such an important role within a game, that’s why we’re seeing more goals," Mellor told the Racing Post.
"I don’t think the Villa fans in a million years would have thought they could beat Liverpool as emphatically as they did.
"When Liverpool got the score back to 2-1 the atmosphere would have really changed, the momentum-changing moments that fans produce.
"If you’re a defender and you have 45,000 fans, you’re definitely on it all game and if those fans aren’t there, maybe the concentration can slip a little bit."
The missing fans will become all the more noticeable today when Everton welcome Liverpool for the Merseyside derby.
Predicting a Liverpool win in that one, Mellor added: "Ancelotti and Klopp are both incredible managers.
"The difference at present is that Klopp has taken Liverpool from a team wanting to be in the top 4 to now genuine title contenders and current champions.
"With Everton, that pressure isn’t there. If Everton were to get European or Champions League football at the end of this season, Ancelotti would be seen as a God.”
“Everton have belief about them now, they’ve got a world-class manager and I’m just sad there’s no fans to see this.
"No fans will favour Liverpool for sure. It’s difficult for an opposing player to play there - trust me, I know.”
Everton vs Liverpool kicks off at 12.30pm today. Follow our live updates here.
